Heidelberg, Germany, July 3, 2025 – The 21st International SPECTRALIS® Symposium (ISS) – and beyond, hosted by Heidelberg Engineering on June 13–14 at the new Heidelberg Congress Center, showcased groundbreaking advancements in ophthalmic imaging. Attended by almost 500 participants from 46 countries and 35 renowned speakers, this flagship event emphasized the global importance of Heidelberg Engineering imaging and data management solutions across clinical and research domains.
At the heart of ISS was a compelling keynote address by NASA astronaut Warren Hoburg and Capt. Tyson J. Brunstetter, OD, PhD, titled “Journey into Space: Völlig losgelöst.” The keynote shared unparalleled clinical insights on in-orbit ocular testing and Space Flight Associated Neuro‑Ocular Syndrome (SANS), highlighted the SPECTRALIS OCT’s incorporation aboard the ISS since 2013 and the delivery of a second SPECTRALIS with OCT 2 Module in 2018.
NASA’s SANS clinical lead, Dr. Brunstetter, delineated how advanced multimodal SPECTRALIS imaging has reshaped our understanding of SANS, linking ocular changes to long-duration spaceflight.
Prof. Frank Holz, MD, University of Bonn, served as Symposium Chair. Sessions highlighted the power of high-resolution OCT in distinguishing key AMD biomarkers which are essential for individualized AMD treatment and advocated for bringing SPECTRALIS-enabled retinal services closer to patients.
For the first time ISS 2025 also featured some live demonstrations of innovations Heidelberg Engineering is currently working on – offering a sneak peek at cutting-edge technology in action. Especially well-received was SeeLumaTM – a fully Digital Surgical Microscope that will integrate intraoperative OCT with digital 3D heads-up displays and user-friendly ergonomics for precision-guided retinal surgery.
The symposium also welcomed representatives of Heidelberg Engineering’s majority shareholder EssilorLuxottica supporting their joint mission of advancing eye care worldwide.
Stephan Schulz, PhD, who has played an integral role in organizing the symposium over the past 21 years, concluded: “It has been an honor to host one of the biggest ISS events ever, finally here at our home base in Heidelberg, and at this remarkable level of scientific excellence.”
